This year we raised £285 - Well Done!

An excitable, yet wet, start to the day on Thursday 9th November for Southmead's Yr 5 and 6 Netball teams. The teams had a mix of both years and have been intensively training for the past two weeks, in preparation for the Braunton Community Schools High 5 Netball Competition at Caen School. 

First game up was Southmead 2 v Kingsacre 2. All players played some of their best netball during this game, with fluid play from GK all the way up to GS, without an interception from the opposition. Teddy CW played an outstanding C, supporting players all over the court. Radley L was also showing off his fantastic defending skills, with Sofia D in support and moving the ball swiftly down the court. Daisy-Ann D and Max M worked as a fabulous team in the shooting 'D' but unfortunately, after many attempts, couldn't quite score. The game ended 0-0. Their second game saw Southmead 2 narrowly lose to Marwood 1, however Neiko P played a great game in attack and kept going 'til the end. Orla C also deserves praise for how much she has progressed since last week and how confident she was on the court in all of her games. Players of tournament for Southmead 2 goes to:

• Max M for his adaptability, perseverance and positive attitude.
• Teddy C-W for wanting to learn more every day, overall incredible improvement and impeccable behaviour. 

Southmead 2 you should be very proud of how well you did as you came 5th out of the 7 teams. 

Southmead 1 kicked off their fight for the title against Caen 2, which ended in a very unfortunate 0-0 draw. Jack H and Sophie T had so many attempts at goal but the nerves took over and not one went in. However, the passing in and out of the 'D' was brilliant to watch, especially how much they supported each other. Winter S and Maicie A did a fantastic job of turning over the ball and getting it back up the court with the help of Missy T as C. Their second game saw another very close game, until the very hard work of Arno W-D and Missy T paid off and Missy T scored the most perfect goal. It was the incredible work ethic of Eva F as C that made sure the ball kept getting into the 'D' to the shooters. The final round robin game was against Caen 1 ... no one in particular stood out here as the team effort shone through, even though they lost 2-0, they all fought to the end with their heads held high. After the final game, the teams waited for the results ... Southmead 1 to the FINAL! This means Southmead 1 had made it through to the next round, regardless if they won or lost. The final was against Caen 1 but yet again, even though defeated, they played with their hearts and worked so hard for each other. We could not be prouder of you all. Southmead 1 - silver medallists - 2nd place - through to the next round at Park School in March '24. 

Players of tournament for Southmead 1 goes to: 

• Missy T for her adaptability, positive attitude, and resilience.
• Winter S for being a team player, listening to advice and actioning it every time and for always being a respectful captain.

Southmead 1 and 2: You should be very proud of how hard you all worked, showing us all how we can enjoy sport through winning and losing, and highlighting how much you trust and respect each other on and off the court. 

On to the next round ... SOUTHMEAD ROCKS! 

On Monday 6th November, Southmead were very pleased to welcome presenters from specialist learning organisation Mark Greenop Associates, working in collaboration with BAe Systems, the Royal Air Force, and the Royal Navy, to deliver an engaging theatre roadshow to Yrs 5 & 6, celebrating Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects.

The fully funded, 50-minute performance inspired and engaged our pupils, with learning and activities around the theme of ‘From the depths of the oceans to outer space.’ The children examined the engineering challenges that are faced when travelling to the most inhospitable places in and around our planet and discovered some of the innovative solutions to these problems.

Taking on the roles of engineers and technicians in remote and challenging environments such as in submarines, on the surface of the moon, or Mars, the pupils tackled communication challenges, discovering how hard it can be to give instructions when you cannot see what is happening, and how difficult it can be to follow those instructions with unusual equipment! In one activity, Ayden had to create a satellite communication array on the surface of Mars … while wearing a spacesuit helmet and gloves!

The Yr5 children learned about the sequence of the eight planets in the solar system (a bit of a recap for the Yr6 children: they were amused to find the presenters using the same mnemonic we used in class, last year!). But all of the children were astounded to find out just how large our sun really is (the giant orange inflatable ball was almost as tall as our Hall), in comparison to the Earth (a marble).

We remain open today.

Having undertaken a further risk assessment this morning, we have made some changes.

All children including preschool children should come through the main car park gates.

The walkway from Braunton Academy Car Park to our playground will be closed as a precaution due to the trees.  

Staff will guide children and adults around our site.

If the winds continue, children will remain inside for break time and lunchtime - like we do for wet playtimes/lunches.

We will continue to review our risk assessments throughout the day.

All after school sports clubs have been cancelled.  Southmead+ remains open.

Thank you for your support and understanding.